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Dear Friends,
Summer may bring a break from the typical school routine, but at The Help Group, it’s a season of continued growth, discovery, and connection. As this month’s newsletter shows, our campuses and programs are as vibrant as ever, filled with new opportunities to laugh, learn, connect, and thrive.
Our Kids Like Me summer camps kicked off with pure joy—water play, hands-on learning, bounce houses, and new friendships all around. It’s a powerful reminder that creating inclusive spaces for children to develop doesn’t take a break when school is out.
We’re also seeing the impact of our Extended School Year (ESY) program, which keeps our students engaged in meaningful learning while preventing academic regression. For students with autism, ADHD, learning differences, and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, this continuity is critical, and we’re proud to offer it in a way that blends structure with fun.
Our mission is about meeting people where they are, at every age and stage. From graduation celebrations across our schools to the social-recreational programs of Advance LA, our summer efforts are helping young people gain independence, confidence, and a clear sense of belonging.
All of this is possible because of you. Your support enables us to keep our programs running strong during the summer months, when many other services pause. Whether you’ve donated, volunteered, or simply stayed connected with our work, we’re deeply grateful.
As we look ahead to August and the new school year, we’re excited to continue this momentum. Thank you for being part of The Help Group community and for believing in the limitless potential of the children, teens, and adults we serve.
With warmest regards,
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Susan Berman, PhD
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Help Group
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In this newsletter you can expect:
Welcome
Summer Camps
Learning Never Stops
Graduation
Program Highlight
Partners in Purpose
Upcoming Programs & Events
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Highlights from
the First Session of Summer Camp!
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From arts and crafts to science experiments, critter shows, water days, bounce houses, and so much more—our first session of Kids Like Me and Teens on the Go Camps was bursting with fun, friendship, and unforgettable moments. Check out the highlight video to see the magic in action—and get excited for our August session still to come!
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Learning Never Stops: Summer to Fall
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While many students take a break from academics, neurodiverse learners often benefit from continued support to maintain and build on their growth. The Help Group’s Extended School Year (ESY) program offers just that—structured, engaging, and individualized learning for students ages 3–22. With small class sizes, therapeutic services, and evidence-based instruction, ESY provides the consistency and connection students need to thrive. Far from a traditional summer school model, the program blends learning with fun, helping students gain confidence and deepen their skills in a low-stress, affirming environment.
Learn More about ESY at The Help Group.
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As summer winds down, many families start feeling the back-to-school shift. The transition doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our latest blog post offers practical, compassionate strategies from The Help Group’s educators to help ease your child (and your whole family) back into school routines with confidence and care.
Read the full guide here
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Celebrating our Graduates
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Graduation at The Help Group is a deeply meaningful milestone—one that honors not only academic success, but personal growth, resilience, and the courage to keep going. This June, heartfelt ceremonies across our nine specialized schools celebrated the Class of 2025 with laughter, applause, and stories that moved families and educators alike. Each diploma represents the power of individualized support and the belief that all students deserve a path to success. Behind every graduate is a team of professionals who have nurtured strengths, championed progress, and helped students imagine what’s possible.
Watch our graduation video here.
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🌿 Finding Purpose, Building Confidence with Advance LA
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For neurodivergent young adults, having a space that supports their transition into adulthood is essential—and that’s exactly what Advance LA provides. Through flexible, engaging programs designed to meet a wide range of support needs, participants ages 18–22 gain vital life skills, strengthen emotional resilience, and form authentic social connections.
At Advance LA, progress often shows up in unexpected ways. One unforgettable Bingo Night reminded us just how powerful a single moment can be. Read the full story and celebrate a heartwarming achievement.
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Zenith has always been more than just The Help Group’s longtime workers’ compensation provider — they’ve been a true part of our community. Their recent Day of Service on our Sherman Oaks campus was a powerful reminder of that connection, bringing heart, dedication, and hands-on support to every interaction. From assisting in our Silverlining Resale Boutique to engaging directly with students, Zenith team members made a meaningful impact in just one day.
Read more about this volunteer event.
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Upcoming Programs & Events
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After-School Enrichment Programs
are Back this Fall!
We’re excited to launch a new season of Kids Like Me enrichment programs this fall. Kicking off in late September, we’re rolling out fresh classes in sports, science, and the arts, all designed to inspire, engage, and support every child’s unique abilities.
Want to be the first to know when registration opens?
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Play. Connect. Celebrate. Get Ready for Family Fun Day
As the school year gets underway, The Help Group is excited to invite families and community members to a special afternoon designed to bring everyone together. Family Fun Day is a free, inclusive event that offers a joyful way to transition from summer to fall, with fun activities for all ages and abilities.
Taking place on Saturday, September 13th at 12:00 PM on our Sherman Oaks Campus, this event is all about creating opportunities for connection and discovery. One of the highlights will be an Interactive Music for Autism concert—a lively performance created especially for young people on the autism spectrum and their families, but enjoyable for everyone.
The day will also feature bounce houses, therapy ponies, hands-on activities, games, raffles, food, live entertainment, and an interactive discovery zone. It’s a wonderful chance for families to connect with one another in a warm, welcoming environment—whether you’re new to the community or have been with us for years.
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Advance LA Enrichment Programs
Looking for meaningful and fun activities for young adults with diverse challenges? Advance LA’s Enrichment Programming offers a wide range of engaging, supportive classes—like art, cooking, horseback riding, Dungeons & Dragons, and more—designed to build friendships, social skills, and confidence in a welcoming environment. Whether your young adult needs moderate or intensive support, there’s a tailored track to meet their needs.
Review the full brochure for details on class dates, pricing, and course descriptions!
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Mark your calendars for Friday, November 14, 2025, and join us for The Help Group’s 29th Annual Summit—Transformative Journeys—an inspiring day of learning, connection, and community. Held at the beautiful Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, this year’s Summit promises to be one of our most dynamic yet.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a caregiver, an educator, or simply someone passionate about supporting neurodiverse individuals, the Summit offers meaningful insights and practical tools for every stage of the journey—from early childhood through adulthood.
Throughout the day, you’ll hear from leading clinicians, educators, researchers, and advocates who are shaping the future of neurodiversity and mental health. The program is designed to bridge research and real-world application, giving you strategies you can put into practice right away.
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Discover the latest in evidence-based practices and innovations in neurodiversity support
- Earn continuing education credits in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, education, and related fields
- Connect with a vibrant community of peers—both in-person and virtually—who are dedicated to inclusive, empowering care
The Summit unites us all by a shared goal: to better understand and support neurodivergent individuals through every stage of life. No matter where you are on your journey, Summit 2025 offers knowledge, connection, and inspiration to help you move forward.
Watch for updates on the Summit event website.
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Summer Movie Magic Under the Stars –
A Sensory-Friendly Experience!
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Summer Nights are still happening! The Help Group is excited to host weekly Summer Movie Nights in both Culver City and Sherman Oaks, specially designed for neurodivergent children and their families. Bring your chairs and picnic blankets and enjoy fan-favorite films, delicious student-run concessions, and a sensory-friendly atmosphere that welcomes everyone. With movies like Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse, Grease, Trolls, and Moana 2, it’s the perfect way to spend a warm summer evening.
Click below for dates, times, and the full movie lineup!
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Visit our website for more info!
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